Genetic and morphological consequences of isolation, habitat, and humans for wolverines and wolves
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
L2, Linnanmaa campus
Topic of the dissertation
Genetic and morphological consequences of isolation, habitat, and humans for wolverines and wolves
Doctoral candidate
Master of Science Dominika Bujnáková
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Science, Ecology and Genetics research unit
Subject of study
Genetics and morphology
Opponent
Professor Jukka Jernvall, University of Helsinki
Custos
Docent Laura Kvist, University of Oulu
Effects of humans, isolation, and habitat on carnivore genetics and skull shape
Human activities have significantly shaped both the genetic diversity and physical characteristics of large carnivores. This thesis shows that human-driven population declines, isolation, and changes in prey availability have left clear signatures in the genetics of Eurasian wolverines and the skull shape of wolves.
To study long-term genetic changes in Eurasian wolverines, historical museum specimens were combined with modern samples collected across Eurasia over nearly two centuries. The results show that wolverines in Fennoscandia (Finland, Sweden, and Norway) are clearly separated from other Eurasian populations and have particularly low genetic diversity. This reflects past population declines and long-term isolation caused by human persecution. Strengthening connections between Fennoscandian and other Eurasian populations could therefore help maintain genetic diversity and improve the species’ ability to adapt to future environmental changes.
In addition, global variation in wolf skull shape and the factors influencing it were examined. Geography, climate, and prey size all played a role, but differences between populations were the most important factor. Wolves in Fennoscandia experienced a severe population collapse in the 20th century and were later largely re-established by immigrants, while their main prey species declined due to unregulated hunting. This human-driven history is reflected in their skull shape. Globally, the most distinct wolf populations included those from Scandinavia and Italy, which experienced strong human-caused bottlenecks, as well as Arctic populations from Eastern Greenland and Ellesmere Island that are isolated by large geographic distances and sea ice.
Overall, the results highlight that both natural processes and human activities shape the genetic diversity and physical traits of large carnivores. Therefore, effective conservation requires maintaining connectivity between populations, preserving genetic diversity, and improving coexistence between people and large carnivores.
To study long-term genetic changes in Eurasian wolverines, historical museum specimens were combined with modern samples collected across Eurasia over nearly two centuries. The results show that wolverines in Fennoscandia (Finland, Sweden, and Norway) are clearly separated from other Eurasian populations and have particularly low genetic diversity. This reflects past population declines and long-term isolation caused by human persecution. Strengthening connections between Fennoscandian and other Eurasian populations could therefore help maintain genetic diversity and improve the species’ ability to adapt to future environmental changes.
In addition, global variation in wolf skull shape and the factors influencing it were examined. Geography, climate, and prey size all played a role, but differences between populations were the most important factor. Wolves in Fennoscandia experienced a severe population collapse in the 20th century and were later largely re-established by immigrants, while their main prey species declined due to unregulated hunting. This human-driven history is reflected in their skull shape. Globally, the most distinct wolf populations included those from Scandinavia and Italy, which experienced strong human-caused bottlenecks, as well as Arctic populations from Eastern Greenland and Ellesmere Island that are isolated by large geographic distances and sea ice.
Overall, the results highlight that both natural processes and human activities shape the genetic diversity and physical traits of large carnivores. Therefore, effective conservation requires maintaining connectivity between populations, preserving genetic diversity, and improving coexistence between people and large carnivores.
Created 9.3.2026 | Updated 9.3.2026